A Powerful And Prosperous Kingdom In Africa!

TRAVEL & TOURISM

At a beautiful afternoon hour, a few minutes after I jumped out of the car, I met with a big smile the cheerful guide with -  Akwaaba (welcome) to the kingdom of Asante. My first moment was the Royal House of the rising King Otumfuor Osei Tutu II who is celebrating his 20 years as the King of both Kumasi and the entire territory of Asante. As a royal, I already had an idea of this kingdom named Asante. The name Asante was derived from Ashanti twi, which means “because of war”. This name came up to deliberately fight with the people of Denkyira. The name "Ashanti" - was created by the British  because they missed the exact pronunciation of "Asante".

The ever friendly and affable Asantes began growing into a major empire from 1670 to 1957. The Asante Kingdom was one of a series of kingdoms along the coast including Dahomey, Benin and Oyo. The Asantes are the people from the Asante region of Ghana with it's capital located in Kumasi, the Garden city. If you join up with Asantes, you will be forced to learn the official language of the Asante - twi. The twi language has been able to cover all the ten regions of Ghana which constitute majority of the population of the country.


An overview: Kumasi, Ghana

Region                   Asante
Location                   Ghana, West Africa                     
Official language     Twi
Population     Over 2,069,350
Currency     Ghana Cedis
Dress Code     Traditional, others
Level of safety     Very safe


The Garden City of Ghana, Kumasi

Kumasi is the capital of the Asante region in southern Ghana. It is also known as the Garden City. This is due to the natural beauty and vivid flowers and plants that were found in every corner of Kumasi. As the center of Asante, it is the key identifier of its culture. This city is the second largest in Ghana and has a population of more than 2,069,350 people. Therefore, it is established as Ghana's second largest traffic hub. It is a very busy city with tradition being held very high in Kumasi. Due to how interesting Kumasi is, several Europeans came for a visit because of this.

On May 15,1817 the garden city attracted Thomas Bowdich (an English man) into this beautiful and interesting city. He stayed for several months and was very impressed with the hospitality of the people and the ambiance that surrounds Kumasi. He heaped praises on the kingdom after learning more about the Kingdom and went further to write a book titled- Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashante on his return to England. In 1820, the first British consul, Joseph Dupuis also paid an official visit to Ghana and drove to Kumasi to sign an agreement with the King, Asantehene Osei Tutu 1.


Home of the Asante Kingdom)

When you first arrive at Ghana’s international airport (Kotoka), I expect you to have a lot of fun. However, depending on your preferences,you can jump into an uber, taxi, or a commercial mini bus that are dispersed at the airport. Drive to the nearest terminal. VVIP, State Transport Company (STC), O.A Travel and Tours and Metro Mass Transit (MMT) are terminal points that have the ultimate goal of excellent service. With these transports, It is safe to reach Kumasi within 4 hours. It is equally very safe and fast to choose between flights to Kumasi Airport. Kotoka International Airport has several airlines offering regular flights to cities like Kumasi.


Accommodation

If you are new to Kumasi, it is always proper to have an idea of the most comfortable and relaxing resort before your arrival. Kumasi has first-class hotels with enjoyable amenities and professional staff. These hotel are  distinguished by the tranquility of the atmosphere and the natural design of their rooms.


Asantewaa Premier Guesthouse
Price range: from $27.17
Rating: Very good

Golden Tulip Kumasi City
Price range: from $120.17
Rating: Very good

Hotel De Se-Manhyia
Price range: from $50.32
Rate: Good

Sweet Garden Hotel
Price range: from $49.12
Rating: Fair

Best One Hotel
Price range: from $26.17
Rating: Very Good

Talk Star Hotel
Price range: from $13.08
Rating: Good

And lots more of these nice, pleasant and cozy hotels.


Recreational Centres in Kumasi

You dare leave Kumasi without visiting the best historical sights. These places have their own character and makes them special for tourists. You can find them below.

Rattray Park:

This fenced park is very spacious and accommodates single and group travelers from around the world. Having the best features is fun. There are fountains, a fitness centers, internet, large parking lots and cafes. In a relaxed atmosphere there is always something for the family, especially for children. Expect to leave here with an unforgettable experience.


The Green Ranch:

The Green Ranch Hotel, located on a hill, offers great adventures with horses and donkeys. This is determined by the number of people who show interest. You will be surprised that Green Ranch offers special events for vegetarians. Vegetables, fresh fruits and products are sold in local and homegrown, as well as a variety of delicious cereals and fresh homemade juices. Do not be late if you aspire to have a lot of fun enjoying the beautiful scenery of nearby Lake Bosomtwi. Lake Bosomtwi is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel. There are comfortable rooms with excellent entertainment, including water sports games. Feel free to visit the Truly Green! Vegetarian & eco friendly Ranch.



Manhyia Palace Museum:

The Manhyia Palace is better known as Asantehene's Palace (The King's Palace). The Asantehene is the highest ruler of Asante and a member of the royal family. The palace is located in the northern part of Kumasi, and there is a traditional court on the premises of the palace, where the traditional debate discusses and regulates the problem of indigenous people.

The modern king of Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II is resident in a very beautiful palace right behind the old museum. Heads of State, chiefs, individuals, and highest personalities in society pay visits to the king in the palace every day. The palace has been built according to modern standards. The beauty of this simplex but exceptional edifice is just amazing. If you look at the beauty and decoration of this exclusive building, you may want to come back. The Palace was built by an Englishman and was presented to Nana Agyemang Prempeh I in 1925 as a gift when he returned from exile. This was after the Third (3rd) Asante - Anglo  war in 1875. The old palace was burnt by the British.


Kejetia Market:


Kejetia is arguably the largest market on the African continent. Some tourists from around the world have visited and talked about the hustle and bustle of this market. With such magnificent building, it also offers very reasonable prices for products and services. This is a huge market that does everything and much. At the Kejetia market, there are beautifully built booths meant for each seller to avoid overcrowding. There are other nice facilities the market can boast of. The security here is great due to the nearest police offices built in the center of Kejetia central market. Kejetia Market offers the lowest prices in Africa. And this is always a 24-hour live market. People from neighboring countries shop from here. The little amount of money in your pocket is enough to buy a lot of goods or products for your satisfaction.

Prempeh II Museum:

The museum which is on the Bantama High Street in the suburb of Kumasi, Ghana provides you with all the facts and historical information you can get. This museum was the King's palace for a relatively short time until it was transformed into a museum. Exhibition of unique culture of Asante is displayed here. During your visit, learn more about how Asante offered a fake golden stool to the English in the 1890s.


The Bosomtwi Lake:

When it comes to Lake Bosomtwi, the Kingdom of Asante means the only natural lake of Ghana. Bosumtwi, the largest natural lake  is located about 32 km southeast of Kumasi. Asantes believe that the souls of their dead ancestors occasionally visit the lake to bid a farewell to the their god called twi. A school of thought refers to something else. They think the lake is a big rock. Others believe that it is the missing part of the volcanic hole that forms the lake.


The Okomfo Anokye Sword Site:

If you want to get a useful visit, it is instructive to participate. Learning more facts and information about this particular sword is always fun. In addition to the sword of Okomfo Anokye, you are eligible to find out more revelations here. Everything speaks for itself immediately you enter this historic place. This is not only an important cultural goal for the Asante community, but also for visitors around the world. Sightseers will be amazed at the fact that, Okomfo Anokye's Sword has been stucked to the ground for more than 300 years. It is believed to be protected by the spirits of Asante. No one has been able to exterminate even till today. If any person does so, then the powers of Asantes will disappear automatically and will never been known as the most powerful Kingdom anymore.


Adanmowase Ecotourism and Bonwire - Home of Kente Cloths:

Asantes are completely unrecognizable without the beautiful, colorful and attractive Kente cloth. Through Adanwomase ecotourism, you should get a testimony of the amazing experience of this cultural fabric and consciousness. If you want to know more about Kente and its origins, you are in the right place. Another important site apart from Adanwomase is Bonwire, a place where Kente is woven and distributed across the regions and even outside of Ghana. During festivals, especially the biggest one in Asante, called the Akwasidae, Asante chiefs of all the cities under the state are found dressed in an elegant Kente style. Kente of the highest quality comes from here. It is an hour’s drive from Kumasi.


Regions Under Asante

The regions that fall under the Asantes include the Brong-Ahafo Region, Central Region, Eastern Region, Greater Accra Region and Western Region.


How Did The Asante Kingdom Begin?

King Osei Tutu I, who ruled from 1695 to 1717, considered the possibility of expanding the kingdom. He asked the spiritual adviser (Okomfo Anokye) to think about how this can happen. This was in the 17th century. Since the Golden Stool is the only symbol of communication, they formed the kingdom of Asante. The King began to expand the territory. He built an Asante army and introduced a new group with the support of the Chief of Oyoko, Nana Oti Akenten. Nana Oti Akenten also began to form an alliance against the Denkyiras. They joined hands to turn the royal army and make it an effective combat engine.

 The first war occurred in 1701, when the Asante army conquered the Denkyira empire. This paved the way for coastal trade with the Netherlands across the Gulf of Guinea. The Kingdom of Asante has always been a hero. For the reason that, they defeated all enemies that came their way. This includes the battles of Fanti, Anglo, Akuapim and Feyiase. Although King Osei Tutu I knew some of his states were weak, he quickly expanded the power of justice to the central administration of his kingdom, and finally built an empire. Osei Tutu's successor, Opoku Ware 1, had already began this movement by extending the Asante boundary. In the heat of all these, the Asante’s contacted several Europeans, such as the Portuguese in the 15th century.

This led to trade in gold, ivory, slaves and other items in Portuguese. Successful trade agreements were concluded between the Asantes and other Africans. As for the slave trade, most Asantes were transported from Ghana to Surinam, a South American country and Seychelles. The last visit to the UK by Otumfuor Osei Tutu II (November 2018) showed that, most of the ancestors of Suriname still had their father’s name, such as Kwasi, Kwadwo, Kwame, Abena, Akua, Akosua etc.. Asantes were very rich in gold and cocoa and so engaged in the business services of countries and institutions that wanted to do business. The Kingdom became rich and played an important role in the gold trade of Ghana. Between the 10th and 12th centuries (AD), the ethnic Asantes migrated into the forest belt of Southern Ghana to form several Akan states which includes-

Ashanti: Brong-Ahafo, Assin -Denkyira- Fante Confederacy and Mankessim Kingdom (now the Central region )

Akyem: Akwamu -Akuapem -Kwahu (the Eastern and Greater Accra regions), and
Ahanta - Aowin - Sefwi - Wassa (now theWestern region).

The Asante Kingdom is one of the unified traditional states in sub-Saharan Africa. Osei Tutu and his heirs oversaw the policy of politics and cultural unification in 1750. This was a convergence of several large urban traditional states that recognized the sovereignty of the ruler of Asantes, known as Asantehene. The Asante Kingdom is the most powerful and protected trade union empire organized in Ghana.


 Emblem of Asantes

The Asantes have a special love for their emblem, the porcupine. This national emblem was adopted by the Asante King Osei Tutu I in 1701. The porcupine which displays an inbuilt arsenal of sharp spikes for use when attacked by an enemy was adopted based on a popular Motto "Kum apem a, apem beba" (Kill a thousand, and a thousand will come). The Asantes grew very steadily even after a defeat hence, the adoption of the emblem. However, the Porcupine was used by all the Kings who were successors of the Asantehene in taking the oath of office in the late 17th century. The Porcupine represents the designated national animal of Asante to date.

The emblem is also a major identity of the only and famous football club of the Asantes, Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC. Kotoko, in the twi language means Porcupine. The porcupine plays a huge role in the kingdom of Asante. As a professional soccer team, Kotoko has won several soccer laurels to their credit including the CAF Champions League of Africa twice. The Asantes believe all these achievements were not just by fluke but were as a result of the spirit of the porcupine. Asantehene Nana Agyemang Prempeh II , was the first life patron of this famous team Asante Kotoko. All other heirs are patrons.


The Kente Cloth of the Asantes

Visitors who consider recreation as a top priority will be amazed at how Asante men and women are wrapped in different colors of kente in different styles. This famous fabric is called Kente. Kente is a symbol of the traditional costume worn by the royal of Asante. It is nothing new for all that Kente is a traditional costume in the slope. In fact, visitors who travel from around the world to pay reverence to Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II are always proud to wear this traditional costume. Kente is made of special cloth and specialised woodworking machines by Asantes.


The Golden Stool of the Asante Kingdom

As a vacationer, you ought to make it a point to visit the Golden Stool of the Asantes. It is locally called Sika Dwa. It was called from heaven in1935 by a spiritual advisor of the Asante kingdom, Okomfo Anokye. The introduction of this Stool (sika dwa) was used as a central force of the King Osei Tutu I. After defeating the Denkyiras, an emergency meeting was called by the King. All the leaders of Asante clan heads attended the meeting and declared independence from the Denkyiras. During the meeting, the Golden Stool was commanded down from heavens by Okomfo Anokye, a chief-priest / spiritual leader and advisor to the Asantehene Osei Tutu I.

The order was so powerful that it came down straight on the laps of Osei Tutu I. There was so much joy interspersed with amazement from the people who had gathered. The spiritual advisor Okomfo Anokye then emphatically announced that the stool will be a symbol of the Asante Union. An adherence was sworn to the stool and to Osei Tutu as the Asantehene. Since then, the stool has remained sacred to the Asantes. It is believed that it contains a special power (literally called Sunsum —a supporting spirit of the Asante people. The stool is so sacred that not even the king is allowed to sit on it, and it's a taboo for the golden stool to touch the ground.


Slavery in the Asante Kingdom

Slavery was very rampant in many parts of Ghana and the Asantes were no exception. Most of the Asantes were held by the Europeans as prisoners of war. At that time, the Europeans discovered that some of the female prisoners were charming and so they illegally married them. Visitors have the opportunity to know everything including pictures, items used by the King of Asante and the small prison in Kumasi, where detainees were held.


The Asantes Versus the British

In 1896, the British arrived in Kumasi under the leadership of Robert Baiden-Powell. Asantehene and his people were ordered not to oppose any action by the British. This trend was as a result of the fear of genocide by the British. Asante King Agyemang Prempeh II was then arrested with other Asante leaders and was soon expelled to the Seychelles. Therefore, the kingdom was then inept. The UK officially announced that the Kingdom of Asante and the coastal territory be called the Gold Coast Colony (GCC). Apartments and fortresses were built in Kumasi to serve as a monitoring tool.

Interestingly, the Asantes who were left behind and not transported to the Seychelles, planned a secret war against the British. This motive was dominated by a woman, Yaa Asantewaa who was a queen mother of Ejisu (an Akan state). The war began from March to September 1900. Known as the war for the Golden Stool, the Bitish once again emerged victorious. They exiled Yaa Asantewaa and a few other leaders of Asante to Seychelles to join Nana Agyemang Prempeh I. The Asante Kingdom gained independence from the British in January 1935 and began their self rule. The Asantehene Nana  Agyemang Prempeh II was enstooled in 1957, and the Kingdom entered a state union with Ghana on independence from the UK.


Power Hierarchy of the Asantes

It is obvious that the head of the Asantes is the Asantehene, the King. Every leader of Asante experiences consciousness and spiritual sanctification on the sacred Golden Stool (Sika dwa). This means that spiritual strength and conviction will return to the King. From 1764 to 1777, one Asante King Nana Osei Kwadwo began his rule with the appointment on merit by central officials. In this structure, all kings must declare loyalty to the above. This cut across all sub divisional Chiefs until it eventually reaches the Asantehene who swear to the gods of the Akan states.


How A King is Chosen In The Kingdom

The kingship of Asante have a special pattern that follows spiritually before a holy person is chosen. A special woman of the royal family nominates a pure man who is mentally, spiritually and physically fit to be a King. If the selected person meets the requirements, he will be assigned to a council of elders who represent other lineages of the district. He is then introduced to the people for acceptance. Finally, the king will be selected and ready for traditional preparation process. On the other hand, if the named person is rejected, the process will resume. A fontomfrom (talking drum of Asantes) is quicky communicated to the representatives of the people for acceptance of the new King. The fontomfrom can travel a distance of at least 300 km. The strength of the kingdom now depends on the decisions of the councils and the council of the elders.


The British and the Asante Kingdom

In January 1896, the British officially joined the Asante Kingdom to the British empire. During the war between British and the Asantes, the Brit. lost many soldiers and senior officers. However, the Asantes did not have the machinery to conquer them. And so they were defeated by the British. The King, Asantehene held a meeting and agreed with British in July 1874 to peacefully end the war. In 1895, Asante rejected an unofficial proposal to create a British Protectorate.

The Asante Empire is amazing in all their strives. They live in their own world in the Garden city, Kumasi. For the first time as a visitor, seek for the pleasure, find information about this particular Kingdom and visit your country with many unforgettable impressions.